Guideline
The operators of these pages are highly committed to protecting your personal data. We treat your Personal Data as confidential and in accordance with the data protection legislation and this Privacy Policy.
Usually, our website can be used without having to provide any personal data. To the extent personal data (e.g. name, address or email addresses) is collected, this will be done, wherever possible, on a voluntary basis. No such data will be disclosed to any third parties, unless you have expressly agreed.
Please note that it can never be guaranteed that the data transfer on the Internet (e.g. when communicating by email) will be 100% secure. The data can never be protected completely against access by third parties.
Cookies
Some of the webpages use so-called cookies. Cookies do not harm your computer in any way and do not contain any viruses. Cookies are used to improve the user friendliness, efficiency and security of our choice of products and services. Cookies are small text files which are placed on your computer and which are saved by your browser.
Most of the cookies that we use are so-called “session cookies”. They are automatically deleted after you have left our website. Other cookies will remain on your device until you delete them. Such cookies enable us to recognize your browser the next time you access the website.
You can configure your browser so that you will be informed when cookies are about to be placed and will be able to allow cookies to be placed only on a case-by-case basis, to disable cookies in certain cases or in general, and to delete cookies automatically upon closing of the browser. If cookies are disabled, the functionality of this website might be limited.
Server Log Files
The provider of the webpages will automatically collect and store information in so-called server log files which are automatically transmitted to us by your browser. This information is:
• Browser type and browser version
• Operating system used
• Referrer URL
• Host name of the accessing computer
• Time of the server requestThis data will not be attributable to certain persons. This data will not be merged with any other data sources. We reserve the right to verify this data subsequently if there are concrete indications regarding any illegal use.
Contact Form
When sending in requests via the contact form, your information from the contact form including the contact details provided by you will be stored for the purpose of processing your request and for follow-up questions, if any. We will not share this data with any third parties, unless you have given your consent.
Google Analytics
This website uses functionalities of the Google Analytics web analysis service. The provider is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
Google Analytics uses so-called “cookies”. These are text files which are saved on your computer and will allow your usage of the website to be analyzed. Any information about your usage of this website generated by the cookie will generally be transferred to a Google server in the US and will be stored there.
IP Anonymization
We have enabled the IP anonymization function on this website. Thereby, within any member state of the European Union or in another contracting state of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, your IP address will be truncated by Google before being transmitted to the US. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be sent to a Google server in the US and be truncated there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to analyze your usage of the website, to generate reports on the website activities and to provide the website operator with further services related to the usage of the website and of the Internet. The IP address transferred by your browser via Google Analytics will not be merged with any other Google data.
Browser Plugin
You can prevent the cookies from being stored by selecting the applicable settings; please note, however, that in such a case you might not be able to use all functionalities of this website to their full extent. In addition to that, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link, you can prevent the collection by Google of any data generated by the cookie and related to your usage of the website (including your IP address) and the processing of such data by Google:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de
Objection Against Data Collection
You can prevent Google Analytics from collecting your data by clicking on the following link. An opt-out cookie will be placed preventing your data from being collected when accessing this website in the future: [ga_optout]
Further information on the handling of user data at Google Analytics can be found in Google’s privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=de
Commissioned Data Processing
We have entered into a commissioned data processing agreement with Google and comply fully with the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities as regards the application of Google Analytics.
Facebook Plugins (Like Button)
Our webpages contain plugins of the social network Facebook, provider Facebook Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. You can recognize the Facebook plug-ins by the Facebook logo or the “Like button” on our page. An overview of the Facebook plug-ins can be found at:°https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/.
When accessing our webpages, a direct connection between your browser and the Facebook server is established via the plug-in. This way, Facebook will be notified that you have accessed our webpage using your IP address. If you click Facebook’s “Like Button” while you are logged onto your Facebook account, you can link the content of our pages to your Facebook profile. Facebook can thus correlate your visit of our webpages to your user account. Please note that we as the operator of these pages have no knowledge of the content of the transmitted data or its use by Facebook. For further information concerning the above, please consult Facebook’s privacy policy at https://www.facebook.com/policy.php
If you do not want Facebook to be able to correlate your visit of our webpages to your Facebook user account, please ensure, to be logged out of your Facebook user account.
Note on Embedding of Videos
We use videos on our website. Videos are embedded with the aid of external third-party suppliers. When embedding videos, the server of the suppliers will be called upon for technical reasons.
Vimeo
For embedding videos, we make use of the supplier Vimeo. Vimeo is operated by Vimeo, LLC based in 555 West 18th Street, New York, New York 10011.
On some of our webpages we use plug-ins of the supplier Vimeo. When accessing those pages of our website that contain such a plug-in, a connection to the Vimeo servers will be established and the plug-in will be displayed. This way, the Vimeo server will be informed of which ones of our webpages have been accessed by you. If you are logged into Vimeo as a member at that time, Vimeo will correlate this information to your personal user account. When using the plug-in such as clicking the start button of a video, this information will also be correlated to your user account. You can prevent such a correlation by logging out of your Vimeo user account before using our webpage and deleting the respective Vimeo cookies. Further information on the data processing and notes on data protection by Vimeo can be found at https://vimeo.com/privacy
YouTube
Our website uses plug-ins of YouTube, which is a Google-operated site. The operator of the pages is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. When accessing one of our pages that contain a YouTube plug-in, a connection to the servers of YouTube will be established.
This way, the Youtube server will be informed of which ones of our webpages have been accessed by you.
When you are logged into your YouTube account, you enable YouTube to correlate your surfing behavior directly to your personal profile. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account.
Further information about dealing with user data can be found in the YouTube privacy policy at: https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy
Use of Google Maps
Our website uses the “Google Analytics” component provided by Google, Inc., 1600 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA, hereinafter referred to as “Google”.
Whenever the “Google Maps” component is accessed, Google will place a cookie to process user settings and data when the webpage is displayed where the “Google Maps” component is incorporated. Such a cookie will usually not be deleted when the browser is closed, but expires after a certain period of time, unless you delete it manually prior to this.
If you do not consent to this processing of your data, you may disable the “Google Maps” service and can thus prevent the data from being transferred to Google. To this end, you need to disable the Java Script function in your browser. However, we would like to point out that you will then not be able to use “Google Maps” or might just use it with restrictions.
“Google Maps” and any information obtained via “Google Maps” will be used in accordance with the Google Terms of Service http://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/terms/regional.html and the Additional Terms and Conditions for “Google Maps” https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/terms/
SSL Encryption
This page employs SSL encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential contents, e.g. the enquiries that you send to us as the website operator You can identify an encrypted connection by the change in the address bar on the browser, from “http://” to “https://”, and by the padlock symbol on your browser row. Once SSL encryption has been enabled, the data you send us cannot be read by third parties.
Right to Information, Deletion, Blocking
You have the right to receive information on the personal data stored about you free of charge, its origin and receiver and the purpose of the data processing as well as, if applicable, the right to correction, blocking or deletion of such data at any time. If you have questions to the above or any further questions on the personal data, you can contact us at any time using the address specified in the Impressum.
DEUTSCHE SAMSTAGSSCHULE HOUSTON
Datenschutzrichtlinie
Website: https://deutschesamstagsschule.org
Effective date: July 24, 2026 | Last updated: July 24, 2026
Deutsche Samstagsschule Houston (“DSH,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates the website https://deutschesamstagsschule.org (the “Website”) and provides German-language education and cultural programs. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information of our students, families, donors, volunteers, staff, and visitors. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices and rights you have. By using the Website or providing information to us, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
1. Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us
We collect information that you voluntarily provide, for example when you enroll a student, register for classes or events, make a donation, apply for a position, sign up to volunteer, or contact us. This may include:
- Contact and identity information — name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.
- Family and student information — parent/guardian names, student names, dates of birth, age or grade level, language level, and emergency contact details, provided in connection with enrollment and program participation.
- Registration and program details — the classes, events, or activities you sign up for and related preferences.
- Donation and payment information — amounts, billing details, and related records. Payment card and bank details are collected and processed by our third-party payment processors, not stored by DSH (see Section 4).
- Employment and volunteer information — details you submit through applications, such as work history and qualifications.
- Communications — the content of messages you send us and any information you include in them.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Website, certain information is collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies, including your browser type and version, operating system, referring URL, pages viewed, IP address, and the date and time of your visit. This information helps us operate, secure, and improve the Website.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process enrollments, registrations, donations, applications, and other requests.
- Provide and administer our educational programs, classes, and events.
- Communicate with you about schedules, program updates, news, receipts, and administrative matters.
- Respond to your inquiries and provide customer and community support.
- Operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Website and our services.
- Comply with legal, tax, accounting, and regulatory obligations applicable to a nonprofit organization.
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not rent or trade it for others’ commercial purposes.
3. Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small text files placed on your device that help the Website function and allow us to understand how the Website is used. Most cookies we use are “session cookies,” which are deleted when you leave the Website; others remain until you delete them. You can configure your browser to notify you when cookies are set, to refuse cookies, or to delete them. If you disable cookies, some features of the Website may not function properly.
We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC, to help us understand how visitors use the Website. Google Analytics uses cookies and collects information such as your IP address and usage activity, which may be transmitted to and stored by Google. We use this information in aggregate to improve the Website. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
4. How We Share Your Information
We share personal information only as described below and do not sell it:
- Service providers. We share information with trusted third parties that perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting, email and communication tools, and payment processing. These providers may access information only to perform tasks for us and are expected to protect it.
- Payment processors. Tuition and donations are handled by third-party payment processors. Your payment card or bank information is provided directly to and processed by those processors under their own privacy and security terms; DSH does not store full payment card numbers.
- Legal and safety. We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or where we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of DSH, our students, families, or others.
- Organizational changes. In connection with a merger, affiliation, or reorganization of the nonprofit, information may be transferred consistent with this Policy.
- With your consent. We may share information for other purposes when you direct or authorize us to do so.
5. Third-Party Websites and Embedded Content
The Website may contain links to, or embedded content from, third-party services that we do not control, such as Google Maps, social media platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok), and video providers. When you interact with these features, the third party may collect information about you, including your IP address, and may set its own cookies. Their collection and use of information is governed by their own privacy policies, not this one. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use. DSH is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.
6. Children’s Privacy
Protecting children’s privacy is especially important to us because we serve families with young learners. The Website is intended to be used by parents, guardians, and adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 through the Website without verifiable parental consent, consistent with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Information about a child (such as a student’s name, date of birth, or age) is collected from a parent or guardian as part of enrollment and program administration, and is used only to provide and manage our educational programs. We do not condition a child’s participation on disclosing more information than is reasonably necessary, and we do not share children’s information for marketing purposes. If you believe we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13 without appropriate parental consent, please contact us using the details in Section 11 and we will promptly delete it.
7. How We Protect Your Information
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. The Website uses SSL/TLS encryption to help protect information transmitted to us. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You provide information to us at your own risk.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, including to provide our programs, maintain records, and comply with our legal, tax, and accounting obligations as a nonprofit. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.
9. Your Choices and Rights
You may review, update, or request deletion of the personal information you have provided by contacting us. You may also opt out of non-essential communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or by contacting us directly. Depending on your location, you may have additional rights under applicable law, as described below.
10. Notice for EU/EEA and UK Visitors (GDPR)
If you access the Website from the European Union, European Economic Area, or the United Kingdom, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and comparable UK law may apply to our processing of your personal data. Where they apply:
- Legal bases. We process personal data on the basis of your consent, to perform a contract or take steps at your request (such as enrollment), to comply with legal obligations, and for our legitimate interests in operating and improving our programs and Website.
- Your rights. You have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data; the right to data portability; the right to object to certain processing; and the right to withdraw consent at any time. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
- International transfer. DSH is based in the United States, and your information will be processed in the U.S. Where required, we take appropriate steps so that transfers of personal data are subject to suitable safeguards.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details in Section 11. We will respond consistent with applicable law.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
Deutsche Samstagsschule Houston
Attn: Privacy
4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401
Email: info@deutschesamstagsschule.org
Phone: +1 (713) 569-0801
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal requirements. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above and post the updated Policy on the Website. Your continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
This Privacy Policy was last updated on July 24, 2026. This document is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.